Hong Kong Customs, serving as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, is today (May 18) hosting the 27th WCO A/P Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference that will run until May 20.
This is the highest-level annual conference held in the A/P region, and has gathered more than 120 heads of Customs and senior officials from the region, alongside delegates from the WCO's regional entities. The Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders, was also in attendance.
The Conference started with a welcoming speech by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, in the capacity of the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region. Mr Chan emphasised the critical role of the Conference in shaping regional policies and fostering a collaborative customs community. Over the past two years, Hong Kong Customs, in its capacity as the A/P Vice-Chair, has upheld the core values of collaboration and co-operation. He encouraged all members to carry this momentum forward to ensure prosperity, sustainable development and close connections in the region. Other speakers, including Mr Saunders, also addressed the Conference and shared valuable insights on the WCO's future developments.
Meanwhile, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, attended the welcome reception yesterday (May 17). In his remarks, Mr Yau reaffirmed the steadfast support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for initiatives that promotes regional Customs co-operation, with a view to fostering more efficient and responsive Customs services to facilitate trade.
The Conference featured discussions on key Customs initiatives in the A/P Region and regional priorities, facilitating an exchange of ideas and collective decision-making to enhance trade facilitation and connectivity amongst regional members.
The Conference was complemented by cultural performances, including a demonstration by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Joint Primary Schools Wushu Elite Team at the welcome reception, and a performance by the Symphonic Band of Good Hope School prior to the start of the first day of the Conference. These performances not only highlighted the blend of Chinese and Western cultures, but also showcased the talent and vitality of Hong Kong's young generation.
